FG Files Fresh Criminal Charge Against Abuja Fertility Doctor Over Fraud and Breach of Confidentiality
The Federal Government has filed a new criminal charge against Abuja-based fertility specialist, Dr. John Abebe, alongside Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited and Balkis Olanike Bakare, in case number CR/005/2026 before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The charge, brought through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, alleges fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the unauthorised sale of a couple’s embryos. Specifically, the prosecution contends that Dr. Abebe disclosed the medical records of Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga without consent, in violation of Section 29 of the National Health Act 2014, which guarantees patient confidentiality.
The Federal Government further alleges that between January and May 2025, Abebe obtained N19 million under the pretext of providing IVF services but converted the funds to personal use, contrary to Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006. The charge also claims that nine embryos created during the IVF process—two male and seven female—were unlawfully sold to other patients, amounting to a breach of reproductive rights and medical confidentiality.
This fresh prosecution follows earlier proceedings initiated by the Inspector-General of Police in March 2026 before Justice Akeem Fashola, where Abebe and his clinic faced charges of conspiracy, fraud, and unlawful disclosure of medical records. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
At the last hearing in the earlier case, proceedings were adjourned after procedural disagreements between the defence and prosecution. Defence counsel Marvin Omorogbe sought to move an application, while the court directed the prosecution, led by Malik D. Taiwo, to respond formally.
The allegations, which remain unproven, raise critical legal issues around medical confidentiality, assisted reproductive technology, ownership and handling of embryos, and regulation of fertility treatment in Nigeria. The case is expected to test the enforcement of confidentiality provisions under the National Health Act and highlight the intersection of criminal law with reproductive health rights.
Dr. Abebe, who also serves as a pastor at Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja, has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the earlier charges.
